Category: Shopping Technology

If anyone has anything to do with the IT field these days, one of the most common terms that they are going to hear are the phrases the “internet of things“. Even though the technology has been around since the late 1970’s, it is only in recent times it’s becoming a reality. And Jason Hope is optimistic that it will decide the fortunes and success of companies. This is because he believes that the internet of things is going to be one of the biggest changes in the way people live.

What is the internet of things and why is it such a big deal? The simple answer is that almost all devices that people use in their day to day lives, from phones and fridges to coffee makers and washing machines are all going to be connected to the internet. This means consumers will be able to control all these things and more, through an app on their smartphones. So it is easy to see why Mr. Hope’s prediction will come true. This is huge for so many companies that produce electronic consumer goods of any kind. Already there is competition among app developers to come up with apps that can control all these devices, remotely, with a press of a button. However, Mr. Hope is careful to point out that it is not only about making life easier but more efficient also.

Jason Hope is a native of Arizona and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a philanthropist, business owner and futurist he has made a lot of contributions to different fields. After graduating from Arizona State University, he went on to start a successful software company.

As far as philanthropy is concerned one of his biggest contributions is his support for SENS Foundation at Cambridge University. SENS is involved in the world of medicine and their primary research revolves around discovering ways to improve peoples health for the longterm. In other words, it is about preventing diseases as opposed to finding cures for various illnesses. Through this type of work, SENS is trying to give a whole new meaning to living long and healthy.

Technology is always evolving and that is a good thing. The more technology evolves and advances, the more tasks technology is capable of performing. People who love to shop are discovering that “deep learning software” enables them to shop with enhanced image recognition tools. Image recognition entails the matching of a photo with a product or service found on a retail store’s online catalog.

Slyce is a company that has greatly innovated the concept of image recognition product searching. All a customer has to do is download the Slyce app onto a smartphone and then take a picture of a product. The search is performed on a corresponding retailer’s site. On a toy retailer’s site, an exact match can be produced or a match of a similar product can be made. Either way, Slyce reduces the chances an online shopper is going to go empty-handed.

A recent article in the MIT Technology Review goes into even greater detail over the rise of this type of technology. The article points out that advancements in image-recognition software have led the social media site Pinterest and the retailer Shoes.com to start integrating the software. The idea at work here is users want the best and easiest experience possible. Browsing and searching should never be cumbersome. By weaving image recognition software into the mix, the ability to search moves a lot faster and is more productive.

As word spreads about the value of image recognition programming, look for more people and businesses to take advantage of the software. Amazon and Google have invested some time, money, and effort into visual recognition programs. The most impressive use of such software has to be what was done by Pinterest. The executive in charge of visual search at the social media site says the arrival of “deep learning software” was contributed to the current levels of success.

Slyce is primed to become one of the top companies in the visual search recognition revolution. The Toronto-based startup has raised millions of dollars and greatly expanded its presence in the retail word. The company’s software and technology is utilized by businesses listed on the Fortune 500. As Slyce continues to grow, look for more and more major retailers to work with the company.

In the near future, look for visual recognition software to become a “must have” program for any retail website to thrive.